After heated discussion, commissioners authorize capacity-fee study and temporary 20% down payment plan for new hookups
Utilities staff briefed the commission on capacity triggers, current plant utilization (water ~41%, wastewater ~66%) and high fees that some developers face. The board authorized a 20% down/two-year payment plan for pending capacity-fee bills and approved Jacobs Engineering to perform a capacity-fee study using EDA grant funds.
The full story
Hardee County utilities staff told the commission their water system was operating at about 41% of permitted average daily flow and the wastewater plant at roughly 66% of permitted capacity, below administrative-code trigger points but approaching wastewater limits. Staff said regulatory trigger points (FAC) generally require a capacity analysis at 75% utilization and recommended a consultant study; the procurement team reported the lowest quote at $24,996.
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